February 2010, as “California Olive Oil Month.”
PROCLAMATION
by the
Governor of the State of California
Our Golden State’s agricultural diversity is unrivaled in the world, and olive oil is one of our fastest growing industries. Olive trees were first brought over by Spanish missionaries, and their acreage in our state is expected to grow annually by 10,000 acres in the next ten years. Moreover, our state produces 99% of all olive oil from the United States.
California olive oil is made from a great variety of olives and production methods and offers a range of flavors to choose from. In 2007, I signed SB 634, which aligns our state’s olive oil grades to international standards. This law requires bottles of olive oil to meet certain guidelines and ensures that there is consistency in quality.
Additionally, extra virgin olive oil has many health benefits. It is high in monosaturated fats, a healthy type of fat, which reduces both overall and bad cholesterol levels. Extra virgin olive oil also contains a great amount of polyphenols, important antioxidants that promote heart health and longevity.
Olive oil is an important part of our economy and heritage, and this month, I encourage the people of our Golden State to make California olive oil a staple in their kitchen and cuisine.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 2010, as “California Olive Oil Month.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 21st day of January 2010.
AS
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California